Beginning photographers should not automatically ignore DSLRs when choosing a camera. DSLRs can function as excellent Point and Shoot (P&S) cameras.
Ease of Use
Most DSLRs will have a "Green Button" beginner mode which is auto-everything. The photographer only has to aim the camera, zoom, and press the shutter release - just like a P&S.
DSLRs will have manual zooms, easier to control compared to the tele/wide buttons on a P&S.
Ruggedness
The lenses of P&S cameras extend when the camera is switched on. This telescoping construction makes the lens weaker compared to a DSLR lens. A P&S will have a higher chance of being damaged if dropped, especially when switched on.
Cost
Entry-level DSLRs can approach the price of premium P&S cameras.
As the image quality of a DSLR is far superior to a P&S, even obsolete DSLRs will outperform the latest P&S.
Unsold inventory (old, unsellable stock) and second hand cameras are possible sources of old but good DSLRs. Shops will be happy to sell any remaining three-year-old models at a sharp discount. Even if not advertised, they may have a few leftover. Bargain hunters should ask.
Camera-enthusiast family and friends may be willing to give away their old DSLR, thereby providing them with an excuse to upgrade to the latest model.
Image Quality - the Main DSLR Advantage
P&S cameras can produce professional-quality photographs outdoors, in bright sunlight.
The larger (10 or more times larger) image sensor (CCD or CMOS) in a DSLR becomes significant in dim light. Despite appearances, indoor light can be a few hundred times dimmer than direct sunlight. It appears to be only a few times dimmer because our eyes adjust.
Using flash isn't always practical. Looking at indoor snapshots made with P&S cameras should convince anyone to get a DSLR.
Movie Mode
P&S cameras do have an advantage when shooting movies. Only the newest DSLRs have a movie mode, and there are drawbacks.
- The Nikon D90 loses autofocus in movie mode and has to be focused manually.
- The Canon 5D is a high-end model, not really a P&S replacement.
Program Modes
DSLRs aimed at consumers will have program modes similar to those on P&S cameras:
- night scenery
- portraits
- landscape scenery
- sports
- etc
Liveview versus Optical Viewfinder
Photographers need to look at a P&S camera's LCD screen to compose the image before releasing the shutter.
In contrast, DSLRs have optical viewfinders. The LCD will display the photo after it has been taken. To make them easier to use, new DSLR models have a "liveview" feature similar to a P&S, displaying the live real-time image before the photo is taken.
Leaving the LCD on will drain the battery. Unlike a P&S, Liveview on a DSLR can be switched off. Using only the optical viewfinder, a DSLR can be used the whole day on one battery charge.
P&S Compared with DSLR
Digital SLRs are not just for professionals. Anyone looking for an easy to use, high image quality and cheap beginner's camera should seriously consider an entry-level DSLR with bundled kit lens.
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